Drew Brees: Controversial comments

[jimmy10]

Now I’m as bedwetting a liberal as there ever was, so my opinions on all of this are pretty unsurprising. 
 

But a good buddy of mine, Air Force vet from the first Gulf War, republican, and even had a couple stints as an elected official in local government, is sickened by many aspects of this, from the backlash against Kaep to Breese’s comments, and the belief that the flag, anthem, etc are somehow sacrosanct and untouchable. 
 

I’m reminded of a great rap lyric from the early 90s on the flag-burning topic, by the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy:

 

”Any flag worth a sh** was woven from fire in the first place.”

 

[loyal2dagame]

Just now, NoSaint said:

 

the thing is you can stand hand over heart but once you say you don’t agree with others choice not to you have invited their feedback since you are judging their actions. 
 

in a locker room setting the dude needs to know better. 

Not quite.  Not agreeing with something without action is tolerance- accepting a person's right to do something,  and that is part of what is missing in all this.  

[K-9]

2 minutes ago, jimmy10 said:

Now I’m as bedwetting a liberal as there ever was, so my opinions on all of this are pretty unsurprising. 
 

But a good buddy of mine, Air Force vet from the first Gulf War, republican, and even had a couple stints as an elected official in local government, is sickened by many aspects of this, from the backlash against Kaep to Breese’s comments, and the belief that the flag, anthem, etc are somehow sacrosanct and untouchable. 
 

I’m reminded of a great rap lyric from the early 90s on the flag-burning topic, by the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy:

 

”Any flag worth a sh** was woven from fire in the first place.”

 

That is a great lyric. 

[Coach Tuesday]

19 minutes ago, Buffalo_Stampede said:

This right here is exactly what is wrong with this country. The hypocrisy, and it happens on every side.

 

 

 

And that's yet another aspect to it.  Legions of people believe (and some have said to to me), in words or substance, since "we" (white people) pay "them" (black athletes) millions of dollars to entertain us, "they" should stand for the anthem.  Or alternatively (as expressed by a poster in another one of the Brees threads): "we" (white people) built this society, "they" (black people) didn't and they're just disrespecting and looting it.  Folks actually believe that.  Let me be clear about it: if you believe those things, you're probably a racist.  That's my opinion.

Edited June 4, 2020 by Coach Tuesday

[Johnnycage46]

19 minutes ago, Buffalo_Stampede said:

This right here is exactly what is wrong with this country. The hypocrisy, and it happens on every side.

 

 

 

Yikes, that is pretty embarrassing.  She could not be a bigger hypocrite there.

[NoSaint]

3 minutes ago, loyal2dagame said:

Not quite.  Not agreeing with something without action is tolerance- accepting a person's right to do something,  and that is part of what is missing in all this.  

“you shouldn’t do that” often begets “you should shut up and mind your own business” when someone’s making a thoughtful statement

 

“I made a personal choice to support in this manner instead and encourage my teammates to do what they believe works Best for them because my locker room is full of smart and empowered men” plays a little different.

Edited June 4, 2020 by NoSaint

[HappyDays]

4 hours ago, billrooter said:

the Flag is a symbol many have given their lifes for

 

Soldiers gave their lives to protect our freedoms, most notably the freedom of speech.

[Tesla03]

Sorry but if you say "he is allowed this have his views leave him alone" you are basically admitting police brutality against blacks and other minorities is perfectly OK

 

Brees comments are utterly delusional and idiotic and he deserves all the hate coming towards him. he still can't understand that kneeling has nothing to do with the stupid american flag and freedom and whatever BS

Edited June 4, 2020 by Hapless Bills Fan
gratuitous political reference

[Johnnycage46]

5 minutes ago, Coach Tuesday said:

 

And that's yet another aspect to it.  Legions of people believe (and some have said to to me), in words or substance, since "we" (white people) pay "them" (black athletes) millions of dollars to entertain us, "they" should stand for the anthem.  Or alternatively (as expressed by a poster in another one of the Brees threads): "we" (white people) built this society, "they" (black people) didn't and they're just disrespecting and looting it.  Folks actually believe that.  Let me be clear about it: if you believe those things, you're probably a racist.  That's my opinion.

 

Sad, and unfortunately true.  It's also sad that those people you refer to don't think black people helped literally build this country while being enslaved.  Pretty unbelievable.

[K-9]

3 minutes ago, Coach Tuesday said:

 

And that's yet another aspect to it.  Legions of people believe (and some have said to to me), in words or substance, since "we" (white people) pay "them" (black athletes) millions of dollars to entertain us, "they" should stand for the anthem.  Or alternatively (as expressed by a poster in another one of the Brees threads): "we" (white people) built this society, "they" (black people) didn't and they're just disrespecting and looting it.  Folks actually believe that.  Let me be clear about it: if you believe those things, you're probably a racist.  That's my opinion.

Holy !@#$! Somebody actually posted that? That is perhaps the dumbest and most ignorant statement in the history of this forum! People who believe that are not only as racist as it gets, but they are utterly clueless about our country and who “built it.” 

[Augie]

For the last several years I’ve gone to some tennis courts at a park almost daily. There will be dozens of people there on an average day with decent weather, and I am almost always the only white guy. I’ve always felt I was fairly open and enlightened, but one day I realized I was not as enlightened as I thought.

 

One of my buddies looks up toward the road and says “Hey! Look! They changed the paint job on them cop cars!” I look up and saw a cop car, but I just knew it was a cop car. There are all kinds of cop cars, local, state, troopers, sheriffs, etc. No big deal to me. He thought that was hysterical! “Hey guys, he doesn’t even know the paint jobs on the cop cars!” Apparently I was the ONLY one there who didn’t take this as a serious event. They ALL have their eyes out for the cop cars. They have a different life experience. 

 

That day made me stop and take notice. As hard as I may try to understand what it’s like for them, I’ll never walk in their shoes. 

 

[Coach Tuesday]

2 minutes ago, K-9 said:

Holy !@#$! Somebody actually posted that? That is perhaps the dumbest and most ignorant statement in the history of this forum! People who believe that are not only as racist as it gets, but they are utterly clueless about our country and who “built it.” 

 

It's in the locked Brees thread on the main page, easy to find.

[Augie]

6 minutes ago, HappyDays said:

 

Soldiers gave their lives to protect our freedoms, most notably the freedom of speech.

 

Three basic thoughts:

 

* People have the freedom to express themselves. 

* I have the right to form opinions of them based upon how they express themselves. 

* If you do it on the job, you have put your job on the line. If I wanted to “express myself” at the bank it would not last long. I’m there to do a job and despite not having a contract prohibiting that expression I’d either stop or be gone. 

[K-9]

1 minute ago, Tesla03 said:

 

and now the flag is associated with right wing fascism. 

Has been for quite a while. It’s sickening, but it’s a fact that these extremist groups fly our flag right next to theirs. 

[Reader]

3 minutes ago, Tesla03 said:

Sorry but if you say "he is allowed this have his views leave him alone" you are basically admitting police brutality against blacks and other minorities is perfectly OK

 

Brees comments are utterly delusional and idiotic and he deserves all the hate coming towards him. he still can't understand that kneeling has nothing to do with the stupid american flag and freedom and whatever BS right wing fascists love to pretend they care about.

 

Wouldn't logically then the same people shouldn't respond in this thread/to those players as they should leave the people responding to Brees alone?

[Tesla03]

Just now, K-9 said:

Has been for quite a while. It’s sickening, but it’s a fact that these extremist groups fly our flag right next to theirs. 

 

and our president is the leader of the biggest extremest group and biggest terrorist organization in the world, the US military! 

[K-9]

Just now, Tesla03 said:

 

and our president is the leader of the biggest extremest group and biggest terrorist organization in the world, the US military! 

My advice is don’t go there in this thread or it will be locked down. 

[Tesla03]

Just now, K-9 said:

My advice is don’t go there in this thread or it will be locked down. 

 

why is this thread at 12 pages already then?

 

every other time a (black) athlete speaks about politics folks on this forum say they should keep quiet. but with Brees he deserves to "have his opinion" even though his opinion is completely against everything the whole country is fighting for right now. 

[Trekking]

Things I don't get:

 

Kaepernick is about as privileged as one can get.  Raised by a rich white family who loved and supported him in every way.  Only started protesting once his career was already over and abused a just cause for money.

 

Lebron James wouldn't attack China whatsoever because of money, but now wants to attack football players for, god forbid, not jumping for joy about a cause he doesn't understand?

 

As righteous as any protest may be, both of these people have ZERO credibility to talk on the manner.  Yet, they're pointed to as heroes?  hypocrits.

[HappyDays]

6 minutes ago, Augie said:

If you do it on the job, you have put your job on the line. If I wanted to “express myself” at the bank it would not last long. I’m there to do a job and despite not having a contract prohibiting that expression I’d either stop or be gone. 

 

I normally agree but there aren't many jobs where you have to stand for the anthem. And I don't agree that NFL players have regular jobs. There is a long history of professional athletes standing for racial equality. I mean if Kaepernick was running a banner onto the field and putting his face in the camera that would be too much but a simple silent protest like that shouldn't be banned. I honestly think the issues he is protesting are far more important than "respecting the flag." One issue is real, the other is just an emotional thing. I'm not saying anyone is wrong to respect the flag, it's a generational thing, but at the same time understand that other people look at the flag in a different light.

Edited June 4, 2020 by HappyDays

[Pasaluki]

4 minutes ago, Tesla03 said:

Sorry but if you say "he is allowed this have his views leave him alone" you are basically admitting police brutality against blacks and other minorities is perfectly OK

 

 

I disagree with Brees, but that's a pretty huge leap. 

[K-9]

6 minutes ago, Tesla03 said:

 

why is this thread at 12 pages already then?

 

every other time a (black) athlete speaks about politics folks on this forum say they should keep quiet. but with Brees he deserves to "have his opinion" even though his opinion is completely against everything the whole country is fighting for right now. 

I’m not disagreeing, but as soon as the president gets mentioned, it triggers a certain faction that then proceeds to blow up every post and the thread gets locked. I’d suggest going to the PPP forum, but I wouldn’t wanna subject anyone to that cesspool.

Edited June 4, 2020 by K-9

[Augie]

1 minute ago, HappyDays said:

 

I normally agree but there aren't many jobs where you have to stand for the anthem. And I don't agree that NFL players have regular jobs. There is a long history of professional athletes standing for racial equality. I mean if Kaepernick was running a banner onto the field and putting his face in the camera that would be too much but a simple silent protest like that shouldn't be banned. I honestly think the issues he is protesting are far more important than "respecting the flag." One issue is real, the other is just an emotional thing. I'm not saying anyone is wrong to respect the flag, it's a generational thing, but at the same time understand that other people look at the flag in a different light.

 

I’m not really even talking to the flag here. He should have the option to NOT stand for it if he doesn’t want to. As you said, the military fights and dies for these rights. Just stay in the locker room if you don’t want to stand, or find another way around it. When you’re on the job, it is not the proper time to make a display. Just my opinion. 

[jimmy10]

2 minutes ago, Augie said:

For the last several years I’ve gone to some tennis courts at a park almost daily. There will be dozens of people there on an average day with decent weather, and I am almost always the only white guy. I’ve always felt I was fairly open and enlightened, but one day I realized I was not as enlightened as I thought.

 

One of my buddies looks up toward the road and says “Hey! Look! They changed the paint job on them cop cars!” I look up and saw a cop car, but I just knew it was a cop car. There are all kinds of cop cars, local, state, troopers, sheriffs, etc. No big deal to me. He thought that was hysterical! “Hey guys, he doesn’t even know the paint jobs on the cop cars!” Apparently I was the ONLY one there who didn’t take this as a serious event. They ALL have their eyes out for the cop cars. They have a different life experience. 

 

That day made me stop and take notice. As hard as I may try to understand what it’s like for them, I’ll never walk in their shoes. 

 

I was at an event in Rochester, the twilight criteria, which is a nighttime bike race through the streets downtown. Many corporate sponsors with VIP tents, wine and cheese parties, etc. I was in one of the tents, and saw a colleague over in another tent. He happens to be a black dude. 
 

I wanted to show him a piece of equipment we were demoing out on the street, technically away from all the VIP tents, but still close by. We both had glasses of wine in our hands. I was all, come on dude, bring your drink, come check it out!

 

He hesitated and then said, “Nah, there’s a group of cops over there and I don’t want to get hassled for carrying a drink around in the street.”

 

Now whether he would’ve been hassled or not in this particular instance is immaterial. (He’s also a close enough work friend and this piece of equipment was tangentially related to his work too, so I’m pretty sure he wasn’t just blowing me off. )

 

The fact that that was his line of thinking opened my eyes quite a bit. And I grew up in a very diverse town and have had POC around me my entire life. But even as “woke” as I think I am, there are experiences and perspectives out there that just never cross my mind. 

 

 

[Doc Brown]

6 minutes ago, Tesla03 said:

 

and our president is the leader of the biggest extremest group and biggest terrorist organization in the world, the US military! 

GTFO with that.  I'd go with Boker Huram, Isil, Al Quaeda, and the Hallmark Channel.   

[NoSaint]

16 minutes ago, Tesla03 said:

Sorry but if you say "he is allowed this have his views leave him alone" you are basically admitting police brutality against blacks and other minorities is perfectly OK

 

Brees comments are utterly delusional and idiotic and he deserves all the hate coming towards him. he still can't understand that kneeling has nothing to do with the stupid american flag and freedom and whatever BS right wing fascists love to pretend they care about.

I don’t think that’s the case here either though. 
 

The dude does do a lot but he’s being tone deaf and thick headed on this particular issue. It doesn’t have to make him the devil or a supporter of police brutality. It makes him a dumbass in this moment.

[gobills1212]

4 hours ago, billrooter said:

Oops had no idea that they were shutdown, my bad. I just seen on NFL network what he said and the response and I was wondering what I was missing.

*saw

[LB3]

17 minutes ago, Tesla03 said:

Sorry but if you say "he is allowed this have his views leave him alone" you are basically admitting police brutality against blacks and other minorities is perfectly OK

 

Brees comments are utterly delusional and idiotic and he deserves all the hate coming towards him. he still can't understand that kneeling has nothing to do with the stupid american flag and freedom and whatever BS right wing fascists love to pretend they care about.

 

16 minutes ago, Tesla03 said:

 

and now the flag is associated with right wing fascism. 

 

13 minutes ago, Tesla03 said:

 

and our president is the leader of the biggest extremest group and biggest terrorist organization in the world, the US military! 

[nedboy7]

Here is a good quote from Brees for all you who think he doesn't have a right to express his opinion.  He does and he did.  I think people dont understand what a right means.  People do not have the right to force me to agree with everything they think.  Enjoy this quote....

 

"I will never know what it's like to be a black man or raise black children in America but I will work every day to put myself in those shoes and fight for what is right."

 

Well said Mr. Brees

 

 

 

 

 

[Alphadawg7]

While there was nothing really terrible that Brees said, it was more utterly terrible judgement and timing.  Why wasn't it terrible...because the flag means different things to different people.  So its ok that it has a deeper significant personal meaning to Brees thats rooted in military service.  Just like its ok for other athletes or fans to feel like kneeling was a significant and appropriate peaceful protest for social injustice.  

 

Brees crime was poor timing.  But I do applaud him for his immediate response and apology for his lack of awareness.  I felt it was sincere, and I don't think he is the villain people wanted to make him out to be.  

 

Now we can all as a collective world go back to hating Brady and Cheatriots instead of Brees.  I think Brees is a good dude that does a lot for his teammates, community, etc.  

Edited June 4, 2020 by Alphadawg7

[Coach Tuesday]

1 minute ago, jimmy10 said:

I was at an event in Rochester, the twilight criteria, which is a nighttime bike race through the streets downtown. Many corporate sponsors with VIP tents, wine and cheese parties, etc. I was in one of the tents, and saw a colleague over in another tent. He happens to be a black dude. 
 

I wanted to show him a piece of equipment we were demoing out on the street, technically away from all the VIP tents, but still close by. We both had glasses of wine in our hands. I was all, come on dude, bring your drink, come check it out!

 

He hesitated and then said, “Nah, there’s a group of cops over there and I don’t want to get hassled for carrying a drink around in the street.”

 

Now whether he would’ve been hassled or not in this particular instance is immaterial. (He’s also a close enough work friend and this piece of equipment was tangentially related to his work too, so I’m pretty sure he wasn’t just blowing me off. )

 

The fact that that was his line of thinking opened my eyes quite a bit. And I grew up in a very diverse town and have had POC around me my entire life. But even as “woke” as I think I am, there are experiences and perspectives out there that just never cross my mind. 

 

 

Totally.  One of my African-American friends invited a few of us to his house tonight for a backyard dinner and so he could talk through some of this - what he experienced growing up and how difficult a conversation he just had to have this week with his ten year-old son - he texted us that he “ruined his innocence telling him what he has to look forward to and watch out for.”  Brutal.  As his buddies we’re happy to go listen.  I encourage others to take this moment to do the same: listen.  It’s critical.

[Doc Brown]

2 minutes ago, Augie said:

 

I’m not really even talking to the flag here. He should have the option to NOT stand for it if he doesn’t want to. As you said, the military fights and dies for these rights. Just stay in the locker room if you don’t want to stand, or find another way around it. When you’re on the job, it is not the proper time to make a display. Just my opinion. 

If he just randomly kneeled in the middle of the street people would just find him odd.

[nedboy7]

3 minutes ago, Augie said:

 

I’m not really even talking to the flag here. He should have the option to NOT stand for it if he doesn’t want to. As you said, the military fights and dies for these rights. Just stay in the locker room if you don’t want to stand, or find another way around it. When you’re on the job, it is not the proper time to make a display. Just my opinion. 

 

He is not protesting during a 3rd down play.  I like that he makes you uncomfortable. That is the point.  You don't get to decide when he is actually "on the job". 

[LB3]

11 minutes ago, Tesla03 said:

 

why is this thread at 12 pages already then?

 

every other time a (black) athlete speaks about politics folks on this forum say they should keep quiet. but with Brees he deserves to "have his opinion" even though his opinion is completely against everything the whole country is fighting for right now. 

12 pages clearly shows the "whole country" doesn't agree on everything. Don't mind me though. As you've stated, I support police brutality because I'm not apoplectic over Drew's comments.

[FireChans]

1 minute ago, Coach Tuesday said:

Totally.  One of my African-American friends invited a few of us to his house tonight for a backyard dinner and so he could talk through some of this - what he experienced growing up and how difficult a conversation he just had to have this week with his ten year-old son - he texted us that he “ruined his innocence telling him what he has to look forward to and watch out for.”  Brutal.  As his buddies we’re happy to go listen.  I encourage others to take this moment to do the same: listen.  It’s critical.

You didn’t get a “yes sir no sir” talk about interacting with police officers?

[Coach Tuesday]

Just now, FireChans said:

You didn’t get a “yes sir no sir” talk about interacting with police officers?

I did not.  I grew up in a white suburb with peaceful cul-de-sacs and no fear of interacting with the police.  I’m fortunate and I realize it, but it’s time for me and others like to me quietly listen to what it was like for people who grew up in a very different America.

[LB3]

4 minutes ago, nedboy7 said:

 

He is not protesting during a 3rd down play.  I like that he makes you uncomfortable. That is the point.  You don't get to decide when he is actually "on the job". 

Exactly. His employer does.

[Warren Zevon]

Kneeling during the anthem does not make the top 100 list of disrespectful things that go on during the anthem at a football game, yet it is talked about by many like it is the only disrespectful thing that happens during the anthem.

 

IMO

[FireChans]

1 minute ago, Coach Tuesday said:

I did not.  I grew up in a white suburb with peaceful cul-de-sacs and no fear of interacting with the police.  I’m fortunate and I realize it, but it’s time for me and others like to me quietly listen to what it was like for people who grew up in a very different America.

Oh, I did. And I’m white. 

 

I think you’re right. There are some folks who didn’t realize cops could kill you until extremely recently.

[Call_Of_Ktulu]

1 minute ago, FireChans said:

You didn’t get a “yes sir no sir” talk about interacting with police officers?

They should teach people how to interact with police when they get their driver’s license. There should be a test and a actual mock pull over. Obviously if the person a cop pulls over says they have Covid-19 and spits in the cops face all your rights might go out the window.